To send you off into your weekend, I give you a sneak peek of the fabulous Jenifer & Jared. They were married at the epic TPC Sawgrass in Jacksonville, Florida. And, I was thrilled to be able to second shoot for the very talented La Dolce Vita Studio.

More on the ceremony and reception later. Until then, I leave you with this.

I have to say, there are few things I love more than a well-branded company. When every part of that business goes together like it was perfectly constructed of the same mold. When every color, logo, and style is carried through every aspect of the business. I’m not just talking business cards and an embroidered polo here, folks. I am talking about when all the little things add up to show that every last detail was thought of. But heck, you’re listening to the person who walks into an office supply store with an expression so simultaneously overjoyed and overwhelmed with excitement that it has been likened to a kid in a candy store. It’s true. I have a passion for office supplies. Don’t hate.

So, when I get a giftcard in the mail from my incredibly sweet brother and sister-in-law the other day, I was both amused and in love with the design. Starr Restaurants, you had me at enjoy. I will, thankyouverymuch.

And, if all of this has left you scratching your head thinking:

“what else needs to be branded other than cattle?”
or, for the more business-savvy,
“what else needs to be branded other than business cards and embroidered polos?”

…let me introduce you to the mecca. Some of the best and most amazing business branding I’ve ever seen. It’s not necessarily about me loving the logos or designs [though let’s be honest – those aren’t bad either!] it’s about the level of detail that these individuals have gone to with their businesses.

I have to admit, one can never be sure about a new blog. Sure the first post or two is good, but does that have any indication that the blog will itself be good? No. Anyone can come up with a few good post ideas. But, when my editor/writer/designer/mother extraordinaire sister-in-law informed me that she had started a new blog. Well, I knew that was an entirely different situation.

How to explain? Erica is the kind of woman who writes thank you notes so well-written you get the sudden urge you should write her a thank you for her thank you. She knows how to make one laugh hysterically and bring you to tears within a few well-written lines of one another. She has the best design sense of, well, anyone I know. And, lucky for you, she now delivers it all in one easy-to-read place.

It’s not on weddings or events. But it’s on design, motherhood, life. Things we can all relate to.

Now I look forward to my next shameless plug being the announcement of her book deal out of this amazing blog. And no, I’m not kidding.
No book deals yet, but I think you’ll agree that the blog is worth it.

Erica Nikolaidis-Omigod, MANJA. That’s the loveliest compliment ever. Consider that a blanket “thank you” for every “thank you” I’ve ever written you in the past or future. Those are such kind words coming from a sister/sistah, let alone someone who’s design sense and talent I greatly admire. You’re the best and you’ve totally brightened my day.

Much love,
E.July 14, 2010 – 12:28 PM

deenik01 -I couldn’t agree more !!! I really, really think she needs to think about the active young mother’s dilemmas, excitement, work, motherhood, and daughterhood. What it is like becoming a parent in her generation and all of the “stuff” that one has to deal with. The good the bad and the ugly. Not to mention designing skills on a budget….she does a great job ! (As do you !!!) July 14, 2010 – 1:59 PM

Jenna Sabatini -I couldn’t agree with you more, Amanda! I love reading Erica’s blog – she cracks me up on the regular!!! I actually had an embarrassing moment at work the other day… I was laughing about something I had read on Erica’s blog that morning, (mind you, this was like 2 hours after the fact)and my boss came into my office to discuss something with me. I tried to stop laughing but I wasn’t effectively hiding my amusement; I’m pretty sure he now thinks I’m insane. Thanks for making me look like a psycho, Erica!!! July 18, 2010 – 9:01 AM

Last week I promised images of this Cambodian wedding and so now I must deliver. Actually, if we’re being fair, I promised them quite a while ago. So, I figured what better way to start your week than with some of this beautiful ethnic celebration?

The day started around 5AM [not kidding] to prepare the food, begin setting out the outfits, and start getting all the bridesmaids and groomsmen dressed in the proper attire. Naturally, this meant the photography started then as well. The ceremony is broken into seven parts. For your educational enjoyment, I listed them below. Suffice it to say that I am certain this translation is a meager attempt at best, but each and every part was bright, colorful, beautiful, and incredibly meaningful. I felt honored to be a part and was excited and eager to watch the progression of the day.

Because there were so many details and so much to see and include, I set this one up a little differently and went with the more collage feature-style images. Sometimes I think this style of presentation really features the details a little better. I don’t intend to do this on every wedding unless I get feedback that I should. So take a look and let me know what you think.

But, without further ado, Lisa & Edgar’s beautiful Cambodian wedding…

…and Part II. I had to split it into two parts because it overloaded the program I was putting it together in.
Kid you not. But I won’t make you wait for the second part; it’s short and sweet.

amandabyoung-Thank so much Stacy. It always means the world to me to get compliments like that from other photographers! Just checked out your work as well and I love it! Thanks for reading.July 12, 2010 – 4:04 PM

ericha-These are absolutely exquisite, Amanda! I love all the details and the bright colors! Great capture of a beautiful day! July 12, 2010 – 8:58 PM

ETC-So gorgeous!! I think the collage format really complemented these images, because it put so many things together so they could play off each other, yet gave each a distinct boundary.July 12, 2010 – 9:27 PM

Brit-The color are so rich and gorgeous! You did such a fantastic job capturing it all!July 18, 2010 – 11:58 PM

Lisa -OMG. I never saw these until now… I <3 your site! Thanks so much for your patience on my wedding day! I will have to ask Lindsey for a few of your shots because some are missing from my bundle. XOXOAugust 11, 2010 – 5:49 PM